November 02, 2006

What's just crossed my desk

In the past few days, this is what I've been up to creatively:

1) Working on an original "Fantastic Four" novel slated for publication from Pocket Books next year.

2) Just finished proofreading the manuscript for the novelization of "Spider-Man 3."

3) Am about to start proofreading the manuscript for "The Hidden Earth," first book in a new series from Tor slated for Spring of 2007.

4) Finished proofreading "Fallen Angel #11" which has gone out to the printer (and, by the way, J.K. Woodward has updated his website and is offering cover art from retailer incentive covers of "Fallen Angel." Several have already sold, so check them out at http://www.jkwoodward.com

5) Finishing proofreading "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #14." As to what's coming up in that issue, two words: Ben Reilly. I will say no more than that (okay, Deb Whitman and the Vulture). But...Ben Reilly.

6) About to start scripting issue #2 of "Dark Tower." Jae Lee's artwork will knock you off your spider throne.

PAD

Posted by Peter David at November 2, 2006 07:32 AM | TrackBack | Other blogs commenting
Comments
Posted by: mj at November 2, 2006 08:37 AM

Is the FF novel based on the movie Fantastic Four, which you've written for before, or the "regular" Marvel Universe? (Although, with the novels, it's always a question on how much they belong in the "regular" Marvel universe, to begin with.)

Posted by: Peter David at November 2, 2006 08:44 AM

The regular Marvel universe.

PAD

Posted by: Bill Myers at November 2, 2006 08:49 AM

Ben Reilly???

You're a brave man to open up that can of worms again.

Seriously, though, there are very few writers capable of doing something like this and making a ripping good story out of it. You're one of them.

Can't wait.

Posted by: Rich Drees at November 2, 2006 08:57 AM

That's it?! Sounds like you're slacking off to me. ;)

Posted by: Bill Mulligan at November 2, 2006 09:27 AM

PAD, when you have a lot of projects at once do you go with one and spend most of your writing time on it or go back and forth between projects? Also, do you find that the resuklts are better worse or no different when you have multiple projects as opposed to just one or two?

Posted by: Dave Van Domelen at November 2, 2006 09:35 AM

Given the appearance of Dan Garrett in this week's Blue Beetle, I'm primed to expect a twist in Ben Reilly's showing up....

Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 2, 2006 09:50 AM

With the work the you put out, and the rate at which you do it, does your desk have it's own zip code? Thing has to be HUGE, man!

Ben Reilly...sorry about the puddle of drool...

Posted by: Scott Iskow at November 2, 2006 10:08 AM

Re: Ben Reilly

I love it already.

So, do you polarize the fans on purpose, or were you bitten by a radioactive politician?

Posted by: Fred Chamberlain at November 2, 2006 10:23 AM

So much for the ship in a bottle I was hoping to commision from you.

I am looking forward to the Deb Whitman story very much and may have to pick up the Spidey 3 novelization! Congrats on the volume of work!

Posted by: Estelle Chauvelin at November 2, 2006 11:59 AM

"The Hidden Earth,"

This is the one with mythological creatures that have mostly taken over Earth, with humans almost wiped out, that you read from at Dragon*Con 2004, right?

Posted by: Tony at November 2, 2006 12:36 PM

Ben Reiley? Ok I'm excited. I know the character is assosiated with the clone saga but most people hate the clon story line and not Ben himself.

Posted by: dave w. at November 2, 2006 01:49 PM

Deb Whitman AND Ben Reilly?!? I can't wait!
BID: I missed some issues during that story line. Was it ever explained anywhere what happened to the Parker baby?

Posted by: Nick MB at November 2, 2006 02:38 PM

So is the alternative-reality homicidal Uncle Ben going to take the alias Ben Reilly?

I'd prefer to see the actual clone used, but that'd be a nice little hat-tip. Even if it confuses handbook entries no end.

Dave W - MJ had a drug put in her food by Osbourn that made her miscarry. All the hints about the baby being taken away by his henchwoman came to nothing. I think there was some double-meanings about "May being alive," which eventually led to the retun of Aunt May, and the end of that subplot.

Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 2, 2006 03:21 PM

See, I never minded the clone storyline. Just made me glad my name isn't Parker. Or Reilly. Or whatever.

Posted by: Eric Recla at November 2, 2006 03:35 PM

"Ben Reilley" just might be his new secret identity.

Posted by: Andrew Rubio at November 2, 2006 04:01 PM

I thought the Clone Saga started out pretty decent and and well-thought out...until the end when they tried desperately to hit the RESET button.

Ben Reilly was an awesome character. He stood on his own two feet and I had no problem seeing him as the one-true Spidey. In the back of my mind, I always hoped that Reilly's death was yet another Osborn trick. Something to shake Peter up even more and somewhere...the real Ben Reilly was hidden - waiting to be freed.

Dammit Marvel! Make Mine Reilly!

Posted by: Sasha at November 2, 2006 06:04 PM

5) Finishing proofreading "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #14." As to what's coming up in that issue, two words: Ben Reilly. I will say no more than that (okay, Deb Whitman and the Vulture). But...Ben Reilly.
I've been waiting for the inevitable Deb Whitman story since the Reveal.

And to Hades with Ben Reilly. Will we ever see the return of muchly missed Candi, Bambi, and Randi?

And isn't Pete's getting onto the wrong side of the government something the Foreigner would like to take advantage of? (That was kinda his master plan lo those many years ago.)

Posted by: Alex Violette at November 2, 2006 06:51 PM

I just read about the Ben Reily over at http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37996

And I just wanted to say if you are really bringing back Ben Reily, that is some of the coolest news I've heard all year. And for the first time in nearly 10 years a Spiderman comic will be on my pull list. I really hope this is for real, Scarlet Spider was one of my favorite characters and I'd love to see him brought back.

Posted by: Jerry C at November 2, 2006 07:07 PM

I always liked the idea of Ben Reilly even if the Clone Saga could out suck a Hoover. I hope this is the real deal and that you make him something that can stand shoulder to shoulder with Spider-Man.

Hidden Earth. It seems like you've been teasing us with that one for two or three years now. Do all the first books from your creator owned works take this long to go from green light to press?

Posted by: Ksa at November 3, 2006 03:12 AM

Peter David, I'm a long time fan, first time commenter, and I kinda met you at Wonder Con in San Fran awhile back. Anyway, several things to say.

1) Since you're writing the Spider-man 3 novel, is the film everything I'm hoping (since I loved the last two)?
2) Thank you for planning something with Ben Reilly again. I loved Ben when I first read him, and if you didn't, I was going to do something with him when I become a writer.
3) Any advice for aspiring authors who want to write novels AND comics?

Posted by: Hodum at November 3, 2006 08:39 AM

I *heart* Ben Reilly. In a completely non-homosexual manner. Not that theres anything wrong with that.

Posted by: Paul F. P. Pogue at November 3, 2006 09:31 AM

I'm laying halfway decent odds that "Ben Reilly" is tied into Civil War; we know that Tony Stark is above neither cutting deals with Norman Osborn nor cloning his own allies 'just in case,' and Peter has really ticked Tony off now.

Posted by: Will at November 3, 2006 09:56 AM

Is there any word on any new stuff coming up from New Frontier?

Posted by: Cizza at November 3, 2006 12:20 PM

OMG BEN REILLY!!!!! if its THE Ben Reilly than I love you, first time ill be buying a 616 spidey book for about 10 years! and if it is Ben ill probably be buying 20 to send Marvel a message that he should be here to stay
I have faith in you PLEASE dont rip off all us clone fans (of which there are many just check out the official reilly thread on the superherohype forums!)

Posted by: Scott Iskow at November 3, 2006 12:31 PM

Ksa:
3) Any advice for aspiring authors who want to write novels AND comics?

I suggest reading Writing for Comics with Peter David. Doesn't talk much about writing novels, but it's a good place to start.

Posted by: Robin S. at November 3, 2006 12:39 PM

Thanks, Peter. I just kicked a $150-a-month comic book habit. Did my local comic shop owner put you up to this "Ben Reilly" thing?

I really hope that you're not just jerking those of us who love Ben around and that this isn't going to turn out like the "Ultimate Ben Reilly" tease did a while back (where there was, what, a two panel cameo by a character who had absolutely no lasting significance (that I know of)).

Posted by: Zeek at November 3, 2006 01:41 PM

Ok just had to post this. (Even though there's no X-Men in PAD's latest crossing his deak)Notice the shout out to X-men comics in this:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1384277706451157121&q=genre%3Acomedy

The best part of this vid, is that between my boyfriend and I, we got it all covered!

(and yes that IS Donny Osmond in the background.)

Posted by: Greg F. at November 3, 2006 05:06 PM

Yes, I'm curious about Star Trek New Frontier stuff myself. I love that series.

Posted by: Sue at November 4, 2006 12:04 AM

I sure wish a New Frontier was #7 on your list.

Posted by: Corey Tacker at November 4, 2006 08:35 AM

There is a NF novella set in the Mirror Universe coming out in this book in March:

http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Universe-Part-Obsidian-Alliances/dp/1416524711

After that, PAD has a TNG Borg novel later in 2007.

Corey

Posted by: Josh at November 4, 2006 11:08 PM

I'm curious about the New Frontier myself. Any ideas on when the new one will be out? Waiting anxiously!

Posted by: ReillyFan at November 5, 2006 04:07 AM

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you (you get the idea).

Posted by: Corey Tacker at November 5, 2006 10:08 AM

There's a NF Mirror Universe novella in this book coming in March:

http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Universe-Part-Obsidian-Alliances/dp/1416524711/

And PAD has a TNG Borg novel later in the year.

Corey

Posted by: Cate at November 5, 2006 09:47 PM

I will read them all .. LOL ... see the threats facing authors ( including web authors ) at patnox.com

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 5, 2006 10:13 PM

I will read them all .. LOL ... see the threats facing authors ( including web authors ) at patnox.com

Well, it looks as though the collective nerd/geek elite is at this moment wiping off their monitors from the Orgasms they just had with regards to the 'juicy table scraps' that LORD PAD had deemed us worthy to receive.

All hail Lord PAD!

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 5, 2006 10:19 PM

"I suggest reading Writing for Comics with Peter David. Doesn't talk much about writing novels, but it's a good place to start."

You mean the same book that on Amazon.com got reduced from $19.99 new to $12.96 new and can currently be bought for $12.42.used?

I'd wait if I were you.

The price is only going to go down.

Posted by: Bill Myers at November 5, 2006 11:43 PM

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 5, 2006 10:13 PM

Well, it looks as though the collective nerd/geek elite is at this moment wiping off their monitors from the Orgasms they just had with regards to the 'juicy table scraps' that LORD PAD had deemed us worthy to receive.

All hail Lord PAD!
_________________________________________________

New Study Reveals Internet Trolling No Substitute for Sex

Nov 5

By Bill Myers

A study published today in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds that Internet trolling is far less satisfying than sex.

The study was based on interviews of males and females aged 16 through 55. It compared the attitudes of those who have been engaged in sexual activity in the last 12 months with the attitudes of those who have chosen instead to vent their sexual frustrations over the Internet as part of a phenomenon known as "trolling."

The study found that un-sexed Internet trolls tended to be less satisfied with life in general than their more well-sexed counterparts.

Study participant Ben Bradley rejected the findings.

"No one can tell me that sex is more satisfying than Internet trolling," said Bradley. "How could they? I haven't even kissed a girl! I have no frame of reference."

Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 6, 2006 12:07 AM

Why can I see Hidden Earth having several passages where smart people just pound trolls on the heads with 16 pound sledgehammers?

Posted by: Sean Scullion at November 6, 2006 12:11 AM

Although, I do have to admit, that's the first time I've ever seen orgasm written like a proper noun. Any further comment and people are going to be thoroughly nauseated, so I'm shutting up now.

Posted by: brent at November 6, 2006 04:33 AM

Loved the clone saga. Ben Reilly is one of my all time favorite characters. Even though I doubt it's "THE" Ben Reilly, I'm glad he's at least not forgotten.

Posted by: Peter David at November 6, 2006 07:43 AM

"I'd wait if I were you.

The price is only going to go down."

As opposed to every other book on Amazon which skyrockets in price...

PAD

Posted by: Craig J. Ries at November 6, 2006 09:35 AM

PAD -
As opposed to every other book on Amazon which skyrockets in price...

*chuckle*

I was just going to say, your book is worth every penny, regardless of cost, PAD.

Of course, since I'm liberal, I must be wrong.

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 6, 2006 10:22 AM

"Of course, since I'm liberal, I must be wrong."

Uh, yeah, and after tomorrow the whole world is going to know it.

Posted by: Craig J. Ries at November 6, 2006 10:25 AM

Uh, yeah, and after tomorrow the whole world is going to know it.

Funny, because if you'd actually bothered to read posts here before posting, you'd see that I'm registered independent.

So, regardless of party affiliation, you have no clue whatsoever who I voted for (and yes, I have already voted, thanks to absentee balloting).

But that doesn't stop you from making poor assumptions anyways. Congratulations on showing who is truly the moron here.

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 6, 2006 10:49 AM

"As opposed to every other book on Amazon which skyrockets in price..."

I think PAD is thinking of the PARADISE ISLAND Amazon.com---the shipping costs from there'll kill ya ;-)

I was always told that the only reason that a products goes up in price is if its in short supply and in high demand.....uh...oh...sorry PAD.....

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 6, 2006 10:52 AM

"Funny, because if you'd actually bothered to read posts here before posting, you'd see that I'm registered independent."

Sorry dude, but you're just interesting or significant enough to me to bother checking.

Besides, you're the one who admitted that he was wrong.

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 6, 2006 10:54 AM

"Sorry dude, but you're just interesting or significant enough to me to bother checking."

I meant "Sorry dude, but you're just NOT interesting or significant enough to me to bother checking."

See? That's called correcting an error in speech right after you made it.

Someone ought to tell John Kerry about that. Might come in handy some day.

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 6, 2006 10:56 AM

"Congratulations on showing who is truly the moron here."

And THANK YOU for showing the world which of the two of us is more ANAL.

Posted by: Bill Myers at November 6, 2006 10:58 AM

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 6, 2006 10:56 AM

And THANK YOU for showing the world which of the two of us is more ANAL.

Hey, Sparky, I notice you haven't replied to the satirical post I wrote to poke fun at you. I know you'll claim that it's because I'm not interesting. That's OK. I know the truth. The real reason is because I hit a nerve and you're a coward.

You're also stupid. We're going to cut you to shreds.

Have a nice day, Sparky.


Posted by: Craig J. Ries at November 6, 2006 11:02 AM

Besides, you're the one who admitted that he was wrong.

Hmm. Apparently your job is to puts words into the mouths of others. Either that, or you've taken it upon yourself to borrow Mike's ability to make leaps in logic.

Maybe you should open your own mouth and insert your foot.

I like this idea: we put you on suicide watch tomorrow. You just might need it.

Posted by: Pat Shatner at November 6, 2006 06:05 PM

If Ben Reilly returns in any form, as long as it's more than a name drop, I will shit myself out of pure glee.

Posted by: AJ Eadie at November 7, 2006 10:37 AM

Although Spiderman and the Hulk are not my cup of tea I have been an avid reader of your New Frontier series.Your NF stories are "addictive" and I can hardly wait for more books. What comes after MIA?

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

"Hey, Sparky, I notice you haven't replied to the satirical post I wrote to poke fun at you."

Sorry Mr. No-Talent Wannabe,

Your comic sucks and so do you. It's not just that you're not interesting; you're just not worth it.

Some pathetic, angry young starving artist who claims to be a web-designer (that church logo was the BEST you could do? PLEASE!!! One doofus buys your work and you think you're hot shit!! Ad to your artwork, I've seen more emotion on stick figures.

"Who is Victory Streak? Who the fuck cares?" Who is that goddamn newsreader that looks like Helen Hunt on BOTOX? Why does everyone look like they're on BOTOX? You might want to re-read your "How to draw comics the Marvel Way", dude---I don't think you got it...and you are DEFINETELY not ready for prime time.

I don't have to poke fun at you---you're enough of a joke just as you are.

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:26 AM

Craig J Lies:
"Hmm. Apparently your job is to puts words into the mouths of others."

Uh, look a little farther up in the thread mushead--you said: "Of course, since I'm liberal, I must be wrong."

I do SO hate it when I have to EXPLAIN jokes to people...but what can you expect from Liberals?
They poke fun at everyone but themselves, and when you poke fun at them, they act as though you killed their cat.

You guys are just no fun.

Posted by: Craig J. Ries at November 7, 2006 11:39 AM

I do SO hate it when I have to EXPLAIN jokes to people.

*sigh* I hate when I cannot follow my own decisions, but this one is too irresistable.

Your problem, Ben, is that you are not funny. You have no concept of funny.

Maybe one day you'll wake up and realize that. Until then, you just keep banging your head against the brick wall.

Posted by: Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 12:52 PM

"Maybe one day you'll wake up and realize that. Until then, you just keep banging your head against the brick wall."

Guess that explains why John Kerry looks the way he does.....

Posted by: travis at November 7, 2006 05:22 PM

YAWWWWWWWWN....
Now Bradley is seriously boring me.
Cheap shots and rhetoric are not the sign of intelligence.
Quips and original thoughts are.

- Travis

Posted by: Freemadison at November 7, 2006 08:03 PM

Oh PAD, please please PLEASE be bringing back the real Ben Reilly. Or at least do something tasteful. God....He's the favorite character of so many people and yet he gets so much disrespect because of bad editorial and marketing decisions. You will make the happiest guy alive if you do a good job.

Thanks.

-Freemadison

Posted by: Bill Myers at November 9, 2006 12:32 PM

I was catching up on my blog reading, and looky what I found...

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

Sorry Mr. No-Talent Wannabe,

Your comic sucks and so do you.

You're entitled to your opionion, and to express it however you choose. Although I must confess I don't understand the mentality of wanting to tear someone down because they have the "temerity" to believe their creative work has more merit than you believe it does.

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

It's not just that you're not interesting; you're just not worth it.

You tell me I'm not "worth it," yet you took the time to look through my Web site very thoroughly and write this lengthy screed against me. Your actions contradict your words.

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

Some pathetic, angry young starving artist who claims to be a web-designer (that church logo was the BEST you could do? PLEASE!!! One doofus buys your work and you think you're hot shit!! Ad to your artwork, I've seen more emotion on stick figures.

I am endeavoring to improve my work with each stroke of the pencil and pen. Many people agree that Dave Sim's Cerebus was at best a "diamond in the rough" when he first started publishing it, but he got better. So, you know, if my early work isn't that great there's always a chance I'll get better with practice.

I must confess I also don't understand the mentality that believes someone thinks they are "hot shit" merely because they are willing to take a risk with their talents. Some of us merely believe that the possibility of success is worth the substantial risk of failure -- and the risk of being derided by people like you.

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

"Who is Victory Streak? Who the fuck cares?"

Right now, mainly just my friends and family. Admittedly, I have a lot of work to do if I want more people to care than that.

Although I'm not sure why you're bringing it up here. It has nothing to do with this thread, or any of the other's in Peter's blog. At least my nasty little mock article was directed at your behavior in this blog, as opposed to dragging any of your hobbies into it.

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

Who is that goddamn newsreader that looks like Helen Hunt on BOTOX? Why does everyone look like they're on BOTOX?

Probably because I am still learning my craft.

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

You might want to re-read your "How to draw comics the Marvel Way", dude---I don't think you got it...and you are DEFINETELY not ready for prime time.

Thank you for your critique. I'll take your suggestion under advisement.

Posted by Ben Bradley at November 7, 2006 11:20 AM

I don't have to poke fun at you---you're enough of a joke just as you are.

And yet you did just that, once again contradicting your words with your actions.

I was wondering why my Web site traffic had spiked recently, and why my blog picked up another subscriber. It looks as though the free publicity you've given me has had an effect that was contrary to what you intended.

EVERYONE: While it was fun writing those little Onion-esque articles and stream-of-consciousness non-sequiturs to poke fun at Ben Bradley and Mike, I've realized now that ultimately it's been a waste of time. I've given them the audience they craved and the attention they don't deserve.

Peter is right. The ONLY way to deal with trolls is to shroud them.

And so...

Shrouds at maximum. Course laid in for better uses of my time. Warp engines... engaged!

Posted by: Don Weiss at November 11, 2006 10:44 PM

Ben Reilly?

Good luck, and God bless!

--Don aka Ygor

Posted by: Scarletspider1701 at November 28, 2006 12:19 AM

IF (and i MEAN "IF") the true Ben Reilly is back(there were more holes in the "revelations" storyline than in a kitchen strainer, so i think it IS possable) It will be the single greatest event in comic History! The day I got Spiderman 75 was the same day my dad passed away. I lost two loved ones in one day! I was even going to name my son "Ben Reilly"! Up until they re-introduced the clone(Ben) I had lost interest in all the "feel sorry for me cause my life sucks" Peter stories. I think if done right, Ben could carry his own series, on a monthly basis. Just as long as he is the Scarlet Spider, and no one tries to get him back as Spiderman. Tho, now that i think about it. If Peter was to dye his own Hair blonde, it would be a way for him to take the heat off of himself after Civil War, just by stepping into Bens life......DAMN! I think i might have just killed the last shred of hope i had